Fantasy Sports with Matthew Berry

Welcome to SportsNation! On Thursday, Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto - will drop by to take your questions and analyze all the latest sporting news from a fantasy perspective - MLB, NFL, NBA. You ask it and he'll answer.

Send your questions now and join Berry Thursday at 3 p.m. ET!

Need an in-depth answer to your question? Want your roster or trade offers reviewed? Get a personalized response from an ESPN expert with The Answer Guys. All questions answered within 24 hours, guaranteed. Ask your question.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:01 PM)

'Sup kids. Thanks for stopping by. As always, all subjects answered.

adam jones (balt)

am i this year's matt kemp (of 2011)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:04 PM)

No. And I am answering this one first just to point out that the gimmick of pretending you are someone you are not is played out. Last one I answer.As for Jones, like him a lot and he's running more but best case scenario for me is 30 HR and 20 SB... He's never stolen more than 13 bases in the minors.

John (Dallas)

TMR - I just dropped K Johnson to add Kipnis off of waivers. Good move?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:05 PM)

I actually like KJ more long term. Hard to say without knowing league size, etc. Assume it's a ten teamer and it's fine - Kipnis is solid - I just like KJ's upside more.

Oscar (South Carolina)

How do you get this job as an fantasy expert?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:06 PM)

The page about me on Wikipedia is reasonably accurate. Not 100% but close enough that you get the gist.

James (Suwanee)

Who do I pick up? Drabek or Duffy

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:06 PM)

Like Duffy more.

Jonathan (IN)

Colon or Arrietta?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:07 PM)

Really like Arrieta but when in doubt, go AL West vs AL EAST. BFBC for the win, kids!

Eli (DC)

TMR, content at ESPN fantasy is the best which is why we read you....but MANY of us play in leagues FAR, FAR (emphasis FAR) more competitive and deep than the standard 10-team mixed leagues you have designed for the masses. Articles like Wandy Line are irrelevant for those of us that play in competitive leagues; those that play in standard ESPN leagues are too casual to be regular readers of your column.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:10 PM)

I appreciate the kind words about our content and the feedback, but our internal numbers - game players, page views, podcast downloads, etc etc don't back your assertation up. Not only are you wrong, you are wrong by a very large number. Trust me. 10 tm mix and h2h leagues are not only the most popular but the most popular BY A LOT. As for me, I don't know what to tell you. Someone's reading me. They're not keeping me around for my looks.

Ted (Baltimore)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:12 PM)

I like McGahee because of the flexibility and Alvarez needs to get hot to get close to the Mendoza Line but I'd probably go Nelson. Gonna get the full time gig with Pacheco sent down, Rolen is what he is - still worried about McGahee's PT at this point. But the difference between any of them isn't so significant that if you're feeling McGahee you shouldn't go there...

Dave (Philly)

So much for Liriano's promising spring. Just a rough start, or is he cooked?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:15 PM)

Somewhere in between. Hard to know with Liriano... Clealry not what he was this spring but I can't believe he's this bad. He looked TERRIBLE - forget the numbers - just from an eye test he looked VERY hittable vs NYY. We'll see how he does this weekend at TB. That's a good park to pitch in but a good team - good test for him. I'm holding on in AL Only but dropping in non keeper mix leagues 14 teams or less.

RON BURGUNDY (SAN DIAGO, CA)

I used your advice to get great value by drafting Beltran and Mauer in the 10th and 11th. My question is do you sell high now because they do have an injury history or do I ride them both out? 12 team H2H points league.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:16 PM)

I'm a believer in Beltran, not so much Mauer. Anyone is tradeable for the right price. Wouldn't be looking to move them but if someone offers you a great deal, do it, especially for Mauer. But I really like Beltran.

JD Harris - Great American (Charlotte, NC)

TMR, why do you continually try to make Nate the Weasel? You're obviously the Weaselliest.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:17 PM)

There is no try. He is the weasel. It's proven. There's a website and everything.

Chad (MD)

Hey Matthew, just read your column for today. With that said, I am in a 12 Team H2H Points League that favors pitching over hitting and I was offered Reyes for Lincecum. Should I let Tim work it out or should I take this deal?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:18 PM)

I'd do that deal. Reyes would be ranked ahead of Tim in overall ranks, both before season and right now. Do it.

Greg (Rochester)

Just stopped by to say, I love you.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:18 PM)

Right back at ya, Cowboy

Ryan (NYC)

Who'd you rather stash using your DL spot: Pineda or Crawford

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:18 PM)

Crawford. Not close.

The Real Gilbert N. (Asheville,NC)

I'm sure you have addressed this before but did you see the girl on the Bachelor who was dumped by last boyfriend with a text saying "Welcome to Dumpsville. Population: You? How weird is that??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:20 PM)

I didn't see it but got tons of tweets and emails about it. Very weird. BUT, for the record, I didn't come up with that. It's a Simpsons quote from a famous early episode.... So maybe she's a TMR fan or maybe she's a Simpsons fan. Who knows?

Erin (dc)

Eli--im pretty sure they have stats on how many people partipate in standard 10 team mixed leagues compared to other 'more competitive leagues." They also know who is reading his columns.

David (College Station)

Do we start paying attention to Jake Peavy, yet? Or is his name the only reason we take notice of a nice start?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:22 PM)

No, it's somewhat legit. His next start is AT Oakland, so I'd certainly pick him up for that. Good K/BB numbers and he's pitched well against real teams (DET, TEX... even BAL is better than folks give credit for). Definitely worth paying attention to

Gary (Cali)

Eli's comments are offensive. MANY of us (myself included) play deeper (15 team NL Only) as well as shallower (10 team mixed) leagues where we have to use different strategies and different player valuations from one league to another.

Waldman (NYC)

Just traded for Pujols. Good move or Big mistake??

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:23 PM)

He's been the best player in baseball for a long time. Hard to say without knowing what you gave up but I'm not worried about Pujols. Give him time to adjust to new league, parks, pitchers, etc... but come on.

george (NY)

YOU DARE CALL SOMEONE OUT ON USING SOMETHING THAT IS PLAYED OUT? HAVE U HEARD YOUR PODCAST? GOOD DAY SIR

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:23 PM)

That's actually pretty funny.

JC (DC)

Worth keeping Bedard in a 10 team league?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:24 PM)

Below the Wandy Line. Like him but wouldn't cut a need offensive guy to keep him.

Tony (Columbus)

Football question. In a dynasty format who would you rather have, Luck or RG3?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:27 PM)

RG3. Both will be studs but feel RG# has more talent around him, INDY has a lot more holes to fill, and feel from a fantasy perspective RG3 will have some rushing yards (not as many as you think, but some) that'll put him over the top in terms of production. But excited for both players.

Danny Boy (Chi-Town)

Have Wainwright &#x26; Josh Johnson!! OYE VEY.... but I do have BFBC!!!! thanks to you..... very satisfied customer

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:27 PM)

Read today's column for Wainwright and JJ thoughts.

Andy (Miami)

I found use for Nate's least favorite asset: number 1 waiver spot in fantasy baseball. Someone dropped Ichiro in my league. I have to cut two players please pick: De Aza, Casilla, Vogelson, Morales, Worley, Nolasco, Niese. Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:28 PM)

Vogelsong and Nolasco. Assuming it's a ten tema mixed - pitching is easier to come by

Gilbert N. (Asheville, NC)

Safe to drop Sergio Romo for help in other places, or wait just a bit longer to be sure Casilla doesn't flop? Thanks!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:29 PM)

In anythign other than deep NL only, it's safe to drop Romo

Jeff (MN)

Drop Lincecum for Lohse?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:30 PM)

Stop it. Lohse xFIP is 3.94

Luke (Tampa)

Get gray gracefully or use Just For Men? I think I can pull off salt and pepper but full on gray hair....nah.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:31 PM)

I'm going grey as gracefully as possible. We'll see. I may dye it when we get to football season and I'm on TV like every day but right now, I'm going natural with what little I have. Doesn't seem right I am both prematurely grey AND balding. Very bitter

Steve (NY)

Masterson: it's been rough the last 2. How long until I drop him for Duffy, Arrieta, McCarthy, H. Alvareza?¦..?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:32 PM)

Would have no issue dropping him for any of those guys. Rank them: McCarthy, Duffy, Alvarez, Arrieta

Jennifer (Virginia Beach, VA)

Who do you see finishing w/ better #'s - Beachy or Holland? How about Kuroda or Danks? Thanks!!!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:32 PM)

Beachy and Kuroda.

Andy (Portland)

Downloading and listening to today's Fantasy Focus podcast while reading your latest article while following this chat. Is there such a thing as too much TMR?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:33 PM)

Not according to my Mom.

Ryu (Shoryuken U.)

Just traded Alex Rios for a ham sandwich. Good move or great move?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:33 PM)

Depends on how good the ham sandwich is. In a vacuum, seems like you ripped him off.

P-Mart (Bethesda)

I may be a little biased but I genuinely feel that Nick Swisher could pull off jean shorts better than any other player in the league

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:34 PM)

Fair.

cliff (bos)

Collmenter gets roughed up today who you thinking gets the call?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:34 PM)

Don't think it's Bauer if that's where you're going. Still walking way too many

Ryan (Minneapolis)

How for real is Chase Headley's amazing start to the season?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:36 PM)

Sort of real. He's not gonna hit HR's at this rate of course but is he drawing significantly more walks, which is a positive sign. So I think a mini breakout, but not a crazy one.

Brendan (Braintree)

Who is the nicest athlete you have ever gotten to interview? The rudest?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:37 PM)

Steven Jackson, Donovan McNabb, Joe Mauer come to mind immeadiately. Adam Jones. Derrisu Heyward-Bey, believe it or not. Not an athlete but Seth Meyers could not be a nicer guy....But most everyone I interview is kind and polite. They're on ESPN, they're usually here in person... hard to be a jerk in that situation

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:38 PM)

sad marlin (beach)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:40 PM)

I would do that deal, yes. JJ's K/9 is WAY down and the health issues... Yes, I'd rather the saefty of BMc than the upside (and downside) of JJ

Karl Welzein (Grand Blanc, MI)

I like how you always post on Twitter about your chats acting like they are under-attended, when in reality we all know you get gazillions of questions in each chat.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:40 PM)

Props for the name on your question.

Josh Hamilton's Body ((ICU))

Seriously?! Playing CF every day?! Come on, man. If you could sell me straight up for Verlander wouldn't you do it now to avoid my inevitable month on the DL?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:42 PM)

Contract year for Josh... PPOBY... I believe. Caught lots of flack on Twitter for reaching for him in our Twitter Mock Draft. Depends what you need. Certainly fair but it's not a no brainer like you might have thought before the year

Chris (Corvallis)

You never answer my questions, and that breaks my heart. LoMo or Reimold ROY? How about Niese or Sale?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:42 PM)

Reimold and Niese.

Danny (New York)

Worth holding onto Farnsworth? He's taking up a DL spot that I want to use for Chris Young.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:43 PM)

Would rather dupm Farnsworth than CY

TheFantasySportsBrain (Cary, NC)

Richardson to Cleveland = Mid-2nd round in fantasy?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:43 PM)

low second, early third

Willy (Illinois)

K. Morales or J. Montero as DH?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:44 PM)

Morales

Anthony (Morristown)

Berry, my friends and I are planning a 10-year anniversary draft weekend in Vegas this summer for our fantasy football league. I think you've mentioned this before, but are there any good places/hotels that host draft parties? Thanks a lot!

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:45 PM)

Lots but @larryfink on Twitter is at the Palms and is a big fantasy player. I'd reach out to him and see what he says.

Michael (Allegany,NY)

Can I get an attagraphed copy of your book when it comes out?Always wanted one of somthing that you did,and didn't want it to be Croc 3.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:46 PM)

Hahaha. Sure.

lou (NY)

Hi hows it going? Would you drop Porcello or Milone for Duffy?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:46 PM)

Yes - drop Milone

Matt (NC)

I find it easy to be a jerk in person... not many people like me. What are your thoughts on Matt Harrison? Given his performance last year and early this season why is he still available in more than 60 percent of leagues?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:47 PM)

He's very underrated

Ryu (Shoryuken U.)

Aren't you in your 40s? Aren't you supposed to be graying and balding? If not now, when?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:48 PM)

Early 40's. My Dad (70) still has all his hair

Andrew (WI)

This is more a comment directed at the men behind the scenes at ESPN than you, but when you say 10-team mixed is the most popular format....it's because, in ESPN's live draft lobby this year, they only offered leagues with 10 teams (no 12 or 14 or 8 offered), there were no AL/NL only leagues offered, and only Roto, H2H each category, and H2H points were offered. Would love to see more types of leagues offered in the lobby and then see what's most popular.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:50 PM)

No, those formats were offered. Just had to look and click....

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:50 PM)

FYI - Berkman to the DL officially.

Charlie (Nova Scotia)

Hi. Would you mind if I told you how to do your job? I could make you a superstar again here in Nova Scotia.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:51 PM)

That'd be terrific. Please do. Try to use all caps and many misspelled words so I know it's you.

Joe (Chi)

Worse 2012 outcome: gloating weasel or victorious pod?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:51 PM)

Weasel would be worse. Not close.

Dave (NJ)

Drop Lynce Lynn for Duffy or Colon?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:53 PM)

I like all 3 a lot, but I'd stay tight with Lynn

Naylor (Bham)

Based on your column, Would you rather have Luebke or stick with McCarthy?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:53 PM)

Luebke

Buster (Cleveland)

If there was a "Wandy Line" for hitters, would LoMo, Delmon Young, Ike Davis and Drew Stubbs be above or below it?

El Guapo (Santa Polco)

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:58 PM)

Ronald (Alaska)

Who do you expect to pitch better after returning from the DL....Fister or Hudson? Thanks

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:58 PM)

Hudson

Eric (Boise, ID)

Figures that LaRoche gets picked up before Berkman hits the DL. Who out of these for a waiver pickup: Soriano, Schafer, Scott or Jay.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(3:59 PM)

Jay or Schafer if you need steals

Brian (Boston)

I saw in your column that you gave credit to the writer at FanGraphs, so you are obviously allowed to note other sites... Can you suggest any good sites for deep keeper and dynasty league advice?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(4:01 PM)

We have a relationship with FanGraphs - they do some Insider pieces for us - so that's why. And they do great work. As for your question, I'm a co-owner of a site called RotoPass.com that is a collection of a lot of deeper league type sites, including ESPN Insider. Also, BaseballHQ.com is in RotoPass. I'm a big fan of their work.

Steve (Minneapolis)

Most overrated baseball stat?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(4:02 PM)

Pitching Wins.

Ward (Utah)

Hosmer, Berkman, or Morneau?

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(4:03 PM)

Hosmer

Jordan (Boulder)

Mark Reynolds makes me want to cry.

Matthew Berry - The Talented Mr. Roto

(4:04 PM)

That seems as good a post as any to end on. Thanks for stopping by gang. I'll try to answer more questions on Facebook (www.facebook.com/matthewjberry) and on Twitter (www.twitter.com/matthewberrytmr)... Good luck... KIDS!